What does Calvary Chapel mean?

Calvary comes from the Latin word “calvarius” and means the same as Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. Chapel comes from “capella”, which means “meeting room”. The first Calvary Chapel originated in Costa Mesa near Los Angeles, California, USA.

Pastor Chuck Smith oversaw this church fellowship from 1965 to Oct. 3, 2013 when he went home to be with his Lord.

Pastor Brian Broderson succeeded him to lead the church in his stead. Pastor Brian in turn has turned the church over to his son Char. Among those attending Calvary Chapel in the early days were hippies, street people and social dropouts, in whom the traditional churches weren’t interested. Because of this Pastor Chuck become known as “the Father of the Jesus People Movement”.

In following years approximately 35,000 people visit worship services and Bible studies at Calvary Costa Mesa, California each week. So far approx. 1500 daughter churches have sprung up worldwide from this one original church